Stick to basketball.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr ignited controversy Friday night after using his postgame press conference to sharply criticize federal immigration enforcement, accusing ICE agents of wrongdoing in connection with a deadly incident in Minnesota.
The Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 137–103, but the decisive victory was quickly overshadowed by Kerr’s comments, which many critics say reflected a growing pattern of political activism within professional sports.
Kerr focused his remarks on the death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old immigration activist, disputing the federal government’s account of the shooting and accusing law enforcement of misconduct — claims that remain under official review.
“It’s deeply troubling when law enforcement actions result in the loss of life,” Kerr said, questioning whether federal officials were being truthful in their public statements.
Kerr, who has long aligned himself with progressive political causes and frequently criticized Republican leadership, also praised the Minnesota Timberwolves for holding a moment of silence in Good’s honor.
WATCH:
"It's shameful that the government can come out and lie about what happened when there's video and witnesses who have all come out and disputed what the government is saying."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was asked about the ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Here are his full comments: pic.twitter.com/L592dSPvvw
— Ben Ross (@BenRossTweets) January 10, 2026
Federal Officials Offer a Different Account
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem provided a sharply different version of events, stating that Good repeatedly refused lawful orders from ICE agents and attempted to use her vehicle to endanger officers during an active enforcement operation.
According to Noem, the ICE agent involved acted defensively to protect himself and others nearby.
“This was a split-second decision made in the interest of public safety,” Noem said, emphasizing that the situation escalated after repeated warnings were ignored.
Federal officials also described Good’s actions as an intentional attempt to interfere with lawful immigration enforcement activities.
Arena Reaction Highlights Political Divide
During the Timberwolves’ moment of silence, several fans reportedly shouted anti-ICE slogans, drawing applause from parts of the crowd — a moment that underscored how deeply immigration enforcement has divided public opinion, even inside professional sports arenas.
Authorities later confirmed that Good had been affiliated with an activist network known as “ICE Watch,” a group that operates in multiple sanctuary cities and actively monitors and disrupts federal immigration operations.
According to Department of Homeland Security sources, Good had followed ICE agents to multiple locations and deliberately blocked roadways prior to the incident.
Sports and Politics Collide Again
The incident comes amid expanded ICE enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has renewed its focus on border security and interior immigration enforcement.
For many conservative viewers, Kerr’s remarks reinforced concerns that major sports leagues and high-profile coaches are increasingly using their platforms to oppose law enforcement and conservative immigration policies — rather than focusing on the game itself.
Kerr’s comments follow previous political statements, including last year’s public protest against President Trump’s decision to freeze federal funding to Harvard University over antisemitism concerns.
As debates over border security and immigration enforcement continue nationwide, critics argue that professional sports are becoming less about unity — and more about political messaging.
